Richard Sablatura and Donna Sachet work their stylish looks at another San Francisco Opera Ball.

Richard Sablatura and Donna Sachet work their stylish looks at another San Francisco Opera Ball.

Photo: Alex Washburn / The Chronicle

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"Drag Queens on Ice" share holiday beauty tips

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San Francisco has its own sort of glamor, and it’s not always hippie, bohemian chic. We’re talking diva drag queen glamor, which can be found in night clubs year-round, but makes a more public appearance on Thursday, Dec. 12, with the annual “Drag Queens on Ice” event at the rink on Union Square at 8 p.m. (now sold out.) The event is partnering with Visit Mendocino County to raise funds for charities supported by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, an order of gay nuns.

We asked noted drag queens for their top three tips to help the rest of us pump up the volume on our holiday looks, their favorite products and a makeup disaster story that we hope anyone can learn from. Here’s what they had to say.

POLLO DEL MAR

Top three tips: Learning how to do a nice smoky eye is invaluable! Whether you’re running to the store or walking a red carpet, a well-done smoky eye works for ANY lady — or lady-boy! A touch of well-placed bronzer on the face and cleavage really ads “oomph.” Don’t go over-board, though. You don’t want to look like an Oscar statuette! And last, glitter makes everything more festive! Whether adding it to eye make-up or even your lips, there are so many uses for glitter — and who DOESN’T love a little bling? (Side Note: I have tutorials on how to include this.)Favorite products: Love Rush blush by MAC Cosmetics is my absolute favorite! It’s pricy by my standards ($20), but the color is so beautiful! Glittered eye liner from Nyx Cosmetics. Available in a variety of colors — teal, pink, gold, lavender & more — at Janet’s Beauty Supply on Market Street, this is a simple way to add a pop of color to eyes. False lashes! Don’t be afraid to add a pop of drama at the holiday party by throwing on a pair of false lashes. And remember, they’re supposed to be longer than your own, so go for it!Worst mistake ever: This is a tough one. There are 364 other days of the year you can choose to be subtle, but for one night, let yourself go and see what comes of it. I’m not suggesting you wind up like Mimi from The Drew Carey Show, but know that anytime we do something new — whether that is trying new make-up techniques or jumping out of a plane — it can feel uncomfortable at first. So many people are afraid of going ‘too far’ with their make-up, but they don’t realize that not doing enough just defeats the purpose. Why bother if you’re not going to give your all? Commit to having fun with make-up, your look and the possibilities for just one night! And, if it winds up being too much, that’s what makeup wipes are for!!DONNA SACHETTop three tips: Spend the most time on lips and eyes. That’s what people remember most. For the holidays, sprinkle some glitter in body lotion and use over your shoulders and arms. Always remove all make-up before retiring for the night. Your skin will thank you.Favorite products: Chanel red lipstick, Benefit lip primer, and Kryolan base makeup.Worst makeup mistake ever: Blue eyeshadow. I used to think my blue eyes would be accented, but photos revealed otherwise.

QUEEN DILLY DALLY

Top three tips: Lip liner can often be used in place of lipstick for to avoid re-applying your lipstick all evening. One’s lipstick can fade during an evening of shenanigans. One should not use an entire fake eye lash on one’s lid. A smaller lash on the corner of your lid works perfect and is quite ladylike! Use a make-up setting spray to keep your make-up fresh and it can also act as a refreshing spray throughout the evening.Favorite products:Victoria Secret’s Big Smooch Plumping Gloss Duo. Fairy dust. If you don’t have access to fairy dust use finely, chopped Martha Stewart’s glitter. You can find it in Target’s arts and crafts section! Orgasm blush by NARS cosmetics.Worst makeup mistake ever: Foundation must always match! Your face and neck should be natural. No five o’clock shadows on this queen!

Anna CondaTop three tips: Red, blended under your foundation, stops the blue of a beard coming through all night! Powder over your lip liner, then re-apply the liner — it keeps lips in perfect order all night. False eyelashes go on last as the crowning moment and to complete a look.Favorite products: MAC eye shadows. Micro glitter. Lip Liners and matte lipsticks — M.A.C. has the best essentials and they last.Worst makeup mistake ever: Holiday specials are always a great fashion-forward reward for the year ahead. At Boy Bar in New York in the early ’90s, when I was starting out, I wore red hair, red clothing and red makeup. My mentor, Matthew Kasten, who produced the show, asked if I meant to dress like windburn. But I firmly believe mistakes and making them are essential to learning one’s craft.